The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-12-13

when it must be conceded that the
rate of the cost of the living caused by such tariff
becomes q burden upon these with moderate
means, and the poor the employed and unemploy-
ed, the sick and well, and the young and old, and
that II constitutes tax when, with relentless
woman and child in the land, reasons are suggested
why the removal reduction of this duty should be
included in revision of our tariff laws-in speak
ing of the increased cost 10 the consumer of our
home manufactures resulting from duty laid
upon imported articles of the same description
The fact is not overlooked that competition among
our domestic producers sometimes has the effect Of
helping the price of their products below the high
est limit allowed by such duty.
BUTT Is notorious that the competition is too
strongly, by combinations quite prevalent at this
time, and frequently called trusts, which have for
their objects the regulation of the supply and price
of commodities made aud sold by members OF the
combination. The people can hardly hope for any
consideration in the operation of these selfish
schemes III, however, in the absence of such COM
bination healthy and free competition reduces the
price of any particular dutable article of home pro
duction below the limit which 1t might otherwise
reach under our tariff laws, and If with such
REDUCED price, its manufacture t continues
thing has been discovered which should be fully
scrutnized in an effort to reduce taxation The
necessity of a combination TO maintain the price of
commodity to the tariff point furnishes proof that
one is willing to accept lower prices for such
commodity, and that prices are remunerative and
lower prices produced by competition prove the
same thing Thus, where either of these conditions
exist case would seem TO be presented for easy
reduction of taxation. The considerations which
have been presented to enforcing tariff laws in
tended only to enforce an earnest recommendation
that the surplus revenues OF the gov
eminent be prevented by the reduction
of our customs duties and at the same time to en-
phasize u suggestion that in accomplishing this pur
by granting to them measure of relief from tariff
taxation in quarters where it is most needed and
rom sources wherein Gun ue nos. litI! ahu Justly
accorded nor can the presentations made OF such
considerations be with any degree OF fairness re-
garded as evidence OF untriendlinesS toward our
manufacturers interests or OF any lack OF appre-
citation of their value and Importance.
These industries constitute leading and most sub
stantial element of national greatness and fur
nish the proud proof of our eOuutry's progress
But it, IN the emergency that presses upon us, our
manufacturers are asked to surrender something for
the public good and TO avert disaster, their patriot
ism, as well grateful recognition of the adyan-
tages already afforded, should lead them to willing
forero ali the benefits of governmental regard but
they cannot fail to be admonished of their duty,
safety, when they are reminded OF the
fact that financial panic and collapse,
70 which the present session tends affords no greater
shelter protection TO our manufacturers than TO
orr other important enterprises. Opportunity for
safe careful and deliberate reform is now offered,
and none of us should be unmindful of time when
our abused and irritated people, needless of those
who have resisted timely and reasonable relief, may
insist upon u radical ana sweeping reetlheaiion Of
The difficulty attending wise and fair revision OF
our tariff laws is not under estimated. IL Will re
quire the part Of the congress, great labor and
care and especially broad and rational eontenpla-
ton of the subject and patriotic disregard Of such
local and selfish claims as are unreasonable and
reckless of the welfare Of the entire country.
Under our present laws more than four
thousand articles subject TO duty.
Many OF these do not, in any way compete with our
own manufactures and many are hardly worth attcn-
ton as subjects of revenue. considerable reduc-
lion can he made in the aggregate by adding them
TO the nee list The taxation Of luNures presents no
features OF hardship; but the necesslr1cs OF life,
used aud consumed by all the people the duty upon
which adds 10 the cost of living in every home,
should bo greatly cheapened. The mdical rcduC.
ton of the duties imposed upon raw material us sd
in manufactures, or It's fee impoftatioai =,